In the hospital, I had lots of issues with breastfeeding. As much as I tried, Adam just wouldn't latch and I became very discouraged. Thankfully, my hospital puts a VERY high importance on breastfeeding and the benefits it gives to both the mother and the child. Because of this, there are lactation specialists available 24/7 while in the hospital and a hotline once you leave. There is also a "mommy and me" group in my area that at least one lactation specialist attends each week (we haven't attended yet, but hopefully will be when he is a little older).
The nurses noticed that I was having issues and sent for a specialist right away - best thing that could've happened. They were patient, instructive and very knowledgeable. Although each of them had different suggestions and techniques, I was able to learn from each of them and adjust my own technique with what worked.
One thing that was very helpful was learning that I have shallow nipples (sorry if that is too much info for you). Because of this, I was given a nipple shield, which is a small plastic piece that you put over your own nipple. It basically extends your nipple to allow the baby to latch better.
Even after I was given the shield, it took many tries to get Adam to latch. I was supplementing with formula and was afraid that he wouldn't want the breast once he had the bottle. Luckily, we stuck with it.
I'm glad to say that he is now latching with little to no difficulty at all. We still use the nipple shield (which I was told I would probably need for a couple of months until my own nipples extended out enough), but all he is growing on is my own breast milk. There are times when we don't get started quick enough and I have to calm him with the bottle (one or two ounces are enough) to get him to latch properly, but he always does and with pumping, I can still use breast milk to calm instead of formula.
FYI to all expecting and new moms - ALL insurances are now required to provide a pump. Some insurances require you to buy or order from a specific place, so you should check into this before you give birth in case it has to be shipped to you. I you didn't order in time, many hospitals allow you to rent one for as long as you need. We were fortunate that our insurance allowed us to purchase the pump from the hospital, so we walked out with it and all of the attachments when we left the hospital.
The nurses noticed that I was having issues and sent for a specialist right away - best thing that could've happened. They were patient, instructive and very knowledgeable. Although each of them had different suggestions and techniques, I was able to learn from each of them and adjust my own technique with what worked.
One thing that was very helpful was learning that I have shallow nipples (sorry if that is too much info for you). Because of this, I was given a nipple shield, which is a small plastic piece that you put over your own nipple. It basically extends your nipple to allow the baby to latch better.
Even after I was given the shield, it took many tries to get Adam to latch. I was supplementing with formula and was afraid that he wouldn't want the breast once he had the bottle. Luckily, we stuck with it.
I'm glad to say that he is now latching with little to no difficulty at all. We still use the nipple shield (which I was told I would probably need for a couple of months until my own nipples extended out enough), but all he is growing on is my own breast milk. There are times when we don't get started quick enough and I have to calm him with the bottle (one or two ounces are enough) to get him to latch properly, but he always does and with pumping, I can still use breast milk to calm instead of formula.
FYI to all expecting and new moms - ALL insurances are now required to provide a pump. Some insurances require you to buy or order from a specific place, so you should check into this before you give birth in case it has to be shipped to you. I you didn't order in time, many hospitals allow you to rent one for as long as you need. We were fortunate that our insurance allowed us to purchase the pump from the hospital, so we walked out with it and all of the attachments when we left the hospital.
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